MSWA and West Coast Eagles AFLW team up
MSWA has announced an official partnership with the West Coast Eagles AFLW team, uniting two organisations with a community led focus.
The partnership is looking to open new pathways for people living with neurological conditions to feel seen and supported within their communities, recognising the powerful role sport plays in bringing people together across the state.
Research shows women account for around three in every four MS diagnoses in Australia, making the partnership with the AFLW program particularly significant as both organisations champion opportunities for women on and off the field.1
“The AFLW Eagles’ community program has already established a strong presence in regional and remote Western Australia, with the team’s work in the East Pilbara reflecting a shared commitment to reaching communities where access to services and support can be genuinely difficult to come by,” said Melanie Kiely, MSWA CEO.
In championing women’s sport at the elite level alongside longstanding support of men’s basketball through the Perth Wildcats, MSWA is making a clear statement about its commitment to the full breadth of the Western Australian sporting and community landscape.
“We are incredibly excited to kick off our partnership with the West Coast Eagles AFLW and cannot wait to see what this season brings for their players, our Clients, and our communities,” Melanie said.
The sentiment was shared by West Coast Eagles AFLW CEO Don Pyke, who welcomed MSWA as an official partner ahead of what promises to be an exciting season.
West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke said the partnership was built on shared values and a desire to make a positive impact across the community.
“MSWA plays an incredibly important role supporting Western Australians living with neurological conditions, and we're proud to welcome them as an official partner of our AFLW program,” Pyke said.
“Our AFLW team is passionate about using football as a way to connect with and inspire communities, and there is clear alignment with MSWA’s commitment to ensuring people feel supported, connected and included, regardless of where they live.
“We look forward to working closely with MSWA throughout the season and creating meaningful experiences for their clients, our members and the broader WA community.””
The partnership has also resonated deeply with MSWA Client Shannan Ferraro, who has been supported by MSWA for more than 20 years and has followed the West Coast Eagles with great commitment throughout that time.
“I have been a big fan of the West Coast Eagles for many years. It’s exciting to see MSWA and the AFLW joining forces, bringing together two important parts of my life," Shannon shared.
At MSWA, I've found a real sense of community and support through attending Connect, so I'm excited to see what comes next and the opportunities this partnership could create across WA."
The AFLW season commences on 16 August, with MSWA set to feature prominently as the Eagles take to the field in front of their passionate fans.
Together with the West Coast Eagles AFLW, we look forward to creating meaningful experiences for our Clients and the broader neuro community.
1 https://www.msaustralia.org.au/news/ms-risk-increasing-for-women/
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